Daron Malakian

Daron Malakian is a composer, guitarist, vocalist, and record producer, best known as a founding member of System of a Down.

Introduced to heavy metal at four years old when he first heard Kiss, Malakian began playing guitar at 11, developed his own style by 15, and is now cited by Loudwire as one of the “Top 50 Hard Rock + Metal Guitarists of All Time.”

Malakian also founded Scars on Broadway. Over the years, he has collaborated with bands like Metallica and Linkin Park, and he remains recognized as a distinct guitarist in modern rock and metal.

Starting in the spring, Malakian and fellow System of a Down band members have announced 8 stadium shows in South America with over 350,000 tickets all sold out, in addition to sold-out shows at MetLife Stadium, Soldiers Field, and Rogers Stadium in the US.Tour dates can be found here.

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00:00 Early Musical Influences
00:57 Discovering Rock and Vinyl
03:10 Family and Artistic Background
04:25 Cultural Roots and Musical Inspirations
09:40 Life in Iraq and Moving to the US
16:21 Forming Early Bands
28:41 The Birth of System of a Down
01:02:44 John Joins the Band
01:03:15 First Album: System of a Down
01:05:48 The Unique Sound of System
01:12:31 Touring with Slayer
01:15:50 Challenges in Europe
01:22:28 Second Album: Toxicity
01:29:25 Writing Chop Suey
01:38:57 Steal This Album
01:49:59 Mesmerize and Hypnotize
02:05:01 Reflecting on the Band's Evolution
02:12:23 Current Projects and Future Outlook